Surname Gorham - Meaning and Origin

Navigating Self-Identity and Lineage: An Emotional Exploration with iGENEA and the Gorham Legacy

Join me on my emotional journey of self-discovery with iGENEA, as we explore the depth and resilience of the surname Gorham. Herein, I uncover the stirring transformation of how a simple DNA test has impacted my perception of family history and the universal human condition.

H. Gorham

Gorham: What does the surname Gorham mean?

The surname Gorham is of English origin, derived from a geographical locality. It traces back to a place named Gorham, possibly referencing the town of Gorehambury, near St. Albans in Hertfordshire, England. The name might have sprouted from Old English words 'gor' meaning mud and 'ham' or 'hame' meaning homestead, suggesting that it referred to 'a homestead or village built on muddy soil'. Due to the practice of adopting surnames according to a person's location or property, the Gorham surname was most likely initially adopted by a person from or residing in Gorham/Gorehambury. Over the centuries, it's been passed down and carried along by ancestors and descendants, spreading across regions and countries.

Gorham: Where does the name Gorham come from?

The surname Gorham originates from England. It was first found in the county of Dorset, in the area of Gillingham, with the name "Gorham" believed to have been derived from "Gillingham". The name's recognition increased during the Norman Conquest, as held by some of the senior clan members.

It is believed the name spread to other areas in the United Kingdom such as Cornwall due to migration. Specific families preserved and passed the name through generations. An important name holder was Bishop Gonandus Gorham who was involved in a disagreement with Pope Nicholas in the year 1051 over the bishopric of St. Augustine in Canterbury.

The surname Gorham is common today in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and, of course, England. In the United States, the Gorham family played a significant role in shaping the young nation. Imports and exports from the Gorham Manufacturing Company contributed to the prosperity of the country in its early ages. Today, thousands of phonebook entries and a good number of digital articles and profiles testify the popularity of the last name Gorham across the globe.

Variations of the surname Gorham

The surname Gorham originates from England, specifically from the village of Gorehambury in Hertfordshire. Like many surnames, it has several variations and spellings, which were probably due to the illiteracy of record keepers hundreds of years ago, as they tended to write names as they sounded.

Variants of the surname Gorham are Gorum, Goram, Gorhum, Goramn, Gorrom, Gorrum, and Gorrhambur.

In terms of spelling variations, there are many such as Goreham, Gorrham, Gorrum, Gorrhum, Gorehum, Gorrumm, Gorhumm, and more. The use of double "r" and double "m" are notable features setting Gorham's spelling variations apart from others.

In Ireland, the surname Horrigan is sometimes Anglicized to Gorham. This is due to phonetic similarities when pronounced in native accents.

Changes in surnames over time and through migration are common, so there could potentially be other variations of the surname Gorham not documented here. Also, just because two surnames are spelled similarly does not necessarily denote a connection or common point of origin. Each variation can have its own unique history and geographical distribution.

Famous people with the name Gorham

• Charles Gorham: A famous American broadcaster, reporter, and news anchor.
• Christopher Gorham: A popular American actor and director best known for his roles in TV series like "Ugly Betty," "Covert Affairs," and "Insatiable."
• Nathaniel Gorham: An American politician who was one of the signers of the United States Constitution.
• Katie Gorham: A British stage manager in the theater industry who has worked on several major productions.
• Roy Gorham: A cricketer from New Zealand who played for the Wellington team in the 1970s.
• Bobby Gorham: A retired American football player who played for the Buffalo Bills in the National Football League.
• Michele Gorham: A fashion model who has worked with numerous leading fashion brands.
• Anson Gorham: A war-hero from the United States, served in the Civil War.
• Brian Gorham: A successful jazz musician.
• Anne Gorham: A renowned author and illustrator of children's books.
• Daniel J Gorham: A well-known photographer.
• Robert Gorham: An American artist known for his abstract and impressionist style.
• Mark Gorham: An actor known for his roles in "Following Tildy" and "Parasite."

Other surnames

Görhardt